During a “Toast to Leadership” award ceremony on April 7, three students received esteemed distinctions receiving The Ann Shaw Award, the Bess Gentry Award and the C. Robert Kemble Award.
ANN SHAW Luis Arevalo, a junior chemical engineering major from Beaumont who has a perfect GPA, received the Ann Shaw Award.
Luis Arevalo
“Luis is a remarkable leader who has served the university and the community,” said Vicki McNeil, vice president of student engagement. “He has made significant contributions to our campus by starting a new student organization and inspiring others to lead. It’s an honor to know him and we’re proud he’s a Cardinal.”
The Ann Shaw Award was established to honor a junior or senior for fostering a spirit of teamwork, excellence in leadership and exhibiting exemplary ethics and integrity while making a significant contribution to Lamar University.
While maintaining a perfect GPA, Luis founded and served as president of Lamar University Hispanic Society. He served the university as an Ambassador and earned an LU Lead Leadership certificate. He is co-chair of the Intramural Sport Honors Student Association and has served as the historian and recruitment officer of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. He serves on the President’s Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. He also worked in conjunction with the HSA to reintroduce approximately 2,000 native trees to the local environment. During hurricane recovery efforts, Luis distributed supplies and food to families in Orange and assisted in removing trees and debris from their homes.
BESS GENTRY Katey McCall, a senior political science major from Orange, was named Outstanding Senior Woman and
Katey McCall
presented with the Bess Gentry Award.
“Katey is well-known on this campus for her leadership, energy and hard work,” said McNeil. “She has a heart for the campus, the students and community. She has represented LU at the state and national levels, always making us proud. It’s been a pleasure having her on campus. We’re grateful for all she’s done while at LU.”
The Bess Gentry Award was established in February of 1985 to honor Mrs. Gentry and to recognize an outstanding senior woman. This award is based upon leadership, exemplary character, contribution and service to the university, esteem held by others, contribution to the community, state and nation and academic scholarship.
Katey, a Reaud Honors College student, will graduate in May and attend Texas Tech School of Law on full scholarship. While achieving a near perfect GPA at LU, she served as an Ambassador and the Student Regent for the Texas State University System Board of Regents. She is only the second student in LU’s history to be selected by the governor to serve in this prestigious role. Katey’s moot court team ranked 30th in the nation at the national trial. She was the recipient of the Presidential Summer Fellowship Research Grant; she was Texas Civic Ambassador and volunteered for the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. She also served as Deputy Voter Register for Harris and Orange Counties.
C. ROBERT KEMBLE Oris Granger, a senior industrial engineering major from Beaumont, was awarded the C. Robert Kemble Award for the Outstanding Senior Man.
Oris Granger
The C. Robert Kemble Award was established in December of 1981 and first conferred in April 1982. The award was established and is perpetuated to pay tribute to Dr. Kemble for his example and the high standard of educational excellence that he represented and recognizes an outstanding senior man. This award is based upon leadership, character, contribution to community and state and academic scholarship.
“Oris is a well-rounded contributor to many facets of the LU community,” said McNeil. “He is an enthusiastic advocate and hard worker in several organizations on campus and a real friend to his fellow Cardinals. We anticipate great things from such a servant leader.”
Oris is National Society of Black Engineers Senator and has served as the vice president/event coordinator for the student chapter of the NAACP. He served as the Texas undergraduate representative, the Ninth District second vice district representative and Ninth District Scholar of the Year for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Oris also was active in Greek life and served as the National Pan-Hellenic Council chaplain; Lamar University Greek Council president; Greek Life student assistant for the Setzer Student Center and Order of Omega. Oris volunteered for A Day in the Park, a Christmas Toy Drive Giveaway and Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway.
Each of the three recipients received $1,000 in addition to their awards.
“Without strong leaders, we would not have strong student organizations, as they are the foundation of student life at the University,” said McNeil. “We hope those graduating will remain in contact and connected with Lamar University long after graduation; they’re always welcome home.”
